Friend, have you ever asked yourself that question? Let us, in all honesty, search our hearts for a true answer.
Are you desiring, above all else, the wealth of this world? Then hear the witness of a famous American millionaire, Jay Gould. He had wealth in abundance, yet almost his last words were: "I suppose I am the most miserable devil on earth."
Do you long for worldly glory? The price is high, and the benefits are ephemeral. Even Sir Walter Scott, the famous writer of fiction and, as such, unexcelled in the world of letters, when he came to die he demanded fact. He said: "The Book—bring me the Book! There is only one Book—the Bible."
Is high honor your goal? Scripture says: "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Queen Victoria, revered by millions, answered a rough Highlander when he questioned her eternal salvation: "Yes, by the grace of God and the all-availing blood of Christ, I'll meet you there."
Would you climb the social ladder to gain high position and earthly pleasure? Benjamin Disraeli, the only Jew to attain to the Prime Ministry of England, wrote: "Youth is a mistake, manhood a struggle, old age a regret." Lord Byron, who reveled in pleasure almost all his days, wrote on his last birthday:
"My days are in the yellow leaf,
The flowers and fruits of life are gone;
The worm, the canker, and the grief
Are mine alone."
Is your every endeavor toward physical prowess or fleshly beauty? Is the championship in sports or the crown of the beauty queen the height of your ambition? Note the words of the Apostle Peter: "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever." 1 Pet. 1:24, 2524For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:24‑25).
Wealth, worldly glory, high honor, position, earthly pleasure, physical beauty, skill and strength—how many spend their lives striving to reach the pinnacle in these worldly attainments! To the few who may taste the fruits of victory in their chosen field, the record is that their possession is brief and the bitter conclusion is: "All is vanity and vexation of spirit."
Then, you say, what is there to live for? I want possessions—to reach the heights—to have fame! I want to be happy.
In that case, the question is: what is true happiness? Its answer is found in what Sir Walter Scott considered the Book of facts—the Bible. First of all, do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and His mighty work of redemption accomplished for you on Calvary? This is the basis of all true happiness.
To all who receive Christ Jesus as Lord, He says: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Col. 3:2, 32Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:2‑3).
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace."
Indeed, dear seeking soul, only in Christ can you find an Object worth living for. With Him as the preeminent One before you, your pathway on earth will be according to His plan for you. He will make plain your way. "As thou goest, step by step, the way shall open up before you." So says the old Syriac version of Proverbs 4:1212When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. (Proverbs 4:12). With the Lord Jesus Christ as your Guide, your Keeper, your Friend, you can claim His promise that whatsoever ye do, you may do all to the glory of God. Only thus, in obedience to His Word, can you reach your goal of true happiness; for "in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psa. 16:1111Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11).